Samuel a



(No Model.)

S. A. HARNESS.

IGE TONGS.

,649. Patented-May 2, 1893.

lgagfr earns.

m: numus PETERS PNOTO-UTNO.. wls'ume'rom n. c.

' UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE.

SAMUEL A. HARNESS, OF OELINA, OHIO, ASSIGNOR TO TONIE DIEDRIOH AND JOHN DIEDRIOH, OF SAME PLACE.

lCE-TONGS.

SPECIFICATION forming part of Letters Patent No. 496,649, dated May 2, 1893.

Application filed February 15, 1893, Serial No. 462,458- (No model.)

To all whom it may concern.-

Be it known that I, SAMUEL A. HARNESS, a citizen of the United States, residing at Oelina, in the county of Mercer and State of Ohio, have invented new and useful Ice-Tongs, of which the following is a specification.

This invention relates to ice tongs, and has for its object to provide a device of the character set forth, that will automatically open view of the improved tongs, showing its operation in dotted lines. Fig. 2 is a similar view of the parts of the tongs disconnected from each other.

Similar numerals of reference indicate corresponding parts in the several figures of the drawings.

Referring ,to the drawings, the numeral 1 designates the arms of the tongs, which are in each instance similarly constructed and have their lower ends pointed and bent inwardly toward each other, and that part thereof above the said lower ends extends outwardly to form convenient means for gripping a piece of ice or other object. The arms 1 are formed of considerable length and are shaped in the form of graceful compound curves suc cessively arranged, and one is adapted to be placed against the other. At the point where the arms cross a slot 2 is formed in each, that extends longitudinally of the same, and therethrough is passed a pivot-bolt 3, with washers 4, adjacent to opposite ends thereof that bear against said arms. The pivot-bolt 3 has afree sliding and rotatable movement in the said slots and permits the arms to freely move upon each other. The upper ends of the arms are curved outwardly from each other and each is formed with an elongated slot 5, that partakes of the direction of the said upper end in which it is formed and parallel with the opposite edges of the arm. Within the slots 5 are slidingly and rotatably mounted pivotal connecting-bolts 6, that are secured to The pivotal' applied adjacent to the ends thereof and bear.

respectively against the arms and the inturned ends of the handle. ment of the handle 7, in the manner set forth, a firm grip is provided and a simple mode of operating the arms of the tongs arises from the use of the same, as it will be observed that the slots 5 serve as cam-slots to receive the pivotal bolts 6, and the latter being actuated by downward pressure exerted on the said handle to spread the upper ends of the arms apart and simultaneously separate the lower engaging pointed ends of the same.

It will be seen that it is only necessary to place the lower portion of the tongs upon the piece of ice or other object to be lifted to spread the said arms apart, when they will antomatically slip down over the opposite sides and by raising the tongs through the handle a closing tension is exerted on the said lower ends of the arms by the pivotal bolts 6, moving or drawing upwardly in the slots 5. In loosening the tongs from the object lifted, the handle is pressed downwardly, when said operation can be readily attained. The slots at the center of the arms obviate the wear and tear, together with the strain, that is usually exerted on a pivot-bolt and breakage is less liable to occur. It will also be seen that when the tongs are in engagement with an object, a tight grip is formed by reason of the weight of the object lifted exerting its power on the arms, and through the medium of the camaction of the handle while held suspended sustaining a thorough engagement.

Changes in the form, proportion, and the minor details of construction may be resorted to without departing from the principle or sacrificing any of the advantages of this invention.

The slots in the parts of the tongs prevent the same from sticking or jamming in their By the arrangeoperation, and they cannot become displaced and are therefore always ready for operation.

In operating the tongs it can be done with one hand, thereby dispensing with the use of the other hand and providing for a quick and positive engagement of the tongs with the object to be lifted.

A separation of the tongs is not necessary in applying the same to an object to be lifted, other than that produced by adownward pressure on the handle, which is a very simple opperation and results advantageously in the use of the device.

Having described the invention, what is claimed as new is- In an ice tongs, the combination of a pair of arms having slots therein at the point of crossin g of the same, and upper ourtwardly-turned ends formed with curved slots, a pivotal bolt connecting said arms at the point of crossing, and a handle having lower inturned ends pivotally attached to the said outwardly-turned ends of the arms by means of bolts passing therethrough, substantially as described.

In testimony that I claim the foregoing as my own I have hereto affixed my signature in the presence of two witnesses.

I SAMUEL A. HARNESS. Witnesses:

HENRY LENNARTZ,

J osEPH A.-WEIs. 

